We wish Facebook had consulted with some pro-gun organizations — in particular the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the firearms industry’s trade association — about gun-transaction laws being evaded on Facebook and Instagram. However, the resulting changes seem to be restatements of existing industry policies.

From a Facebook statement written by Monika Bickert, Head of Global Policy Management:

Today, we are introducing a series of new educational and enforcement efforts for people discussing the private sale of regulated items:

— Any time we receive a report on Facebook about a post promoting the private sale of a commonly regulated item, we will send a message to that person reminding him or her to comply with relevant laws and regulations. We will also limit access to that post to people over the age of 18.

— We will require Pages that are primarily used by people to promote the private sale of commonly regulated goods or services to include language that clearly reminds people of the importance of understanding and complying with relevant laws and regulations, and limit access to people over the age of 18 or older if required by applicable law.

— We will provide special in-app education on Instagram for those who search for sales or promotions of firearms.

— We will not permit people to post offers to sell regulated items that indicate a willingness to evade or help others evade the law. For example, private sellers of firearms in the U.S. will not be permitted to specify “no background check required,” nor can they offer to transact across state lines without a licensed firearms dealer.

At Texas Law Shield, we are in agreement that all applicable laws should be observed in the private transfer of firearms. It seems to us that Facebook’s clarification, while quirky and misguided, will not affect the lawful commerce in firearms and ammunition products for our members, our member facilities, and their customers.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

STAY INFORMED ON SELF-DEFENSE LAWS: SUBSCRIBE TODAY

We recognize the importance of information, especially as it relates to responsible self-defense. As an ongoing service of U.S. & Texas LawShield, we send out multiple newsletters with updates on self-defense law every month. The purpose of the newsletter is to educate our members about important changes that may impact them and their right to self-defense.

All legal services are provided by independent third party program attorneys. U.S. & Texas LawShield are not law firms but legal services companies or similar entities regulated under state law, which provide benefits and coverage for their members. U.S. LawShield is underwritten by Fortegra Companies in many states. Fortegra Companies are rated A- (Excellent) for financial strength and operating performance by A.M. Best. In these states, all of our products are underwritten by one of the following Fortegra companies, depending on the state: Lyndon Southern Insurance Company, Response Indemnity Company of California, Blue Ridge Indemnity Company and Insurance Company of the South. 100% of the insurance administration, technology, and customer service is provided here, in the USA for U.S. & Texas LawShield.